Aspects of human helminthiasis in sub-Saharan Africa

The people of sub-Saharan Africa are the world's most heavily afflicted population in terms of the burden of disease involving helminth infections. Despite numerous control programmes, helminth infections persist and, in some case, may be increasing. The current situation is reviewed and new initiatives based on deworming measures are discussed. Attention is drawn both to progress and to the challenges that must be overcome if morbidity due to helminthiasis is to be controlled and reduced in sub-Saharan Africa.